TALLAHASSEE — Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher and the Seminoles have talked about the investigation of quarterback Jameis Winston for an alleged sexual assault but will try to not let it disrupt their season.

Today, they'll try to push the investigation aside for a few hours when they host Syracuse.

The allegation from Dec. 7, 2012, against Winston became public this week and there have been few answers to numerous questions surrounding the ongoing investigation.

Syracuse will try to pound the Seminoles with its running game, which has proven to be good strategy against Florida State. Teams that have had a measure of success against the Seminoles (9-0, 7-0 ACC) — Boston College and Miami — have been able to run the ball.

“We're trying to bring that (physical mentality) as an offensive line,” Syracuse center Macky MacPherson said. “We want to run the ball, run through people, impose our will against defenses.”

Running back Jerome Smith leads the No. 2 rushing offense in the ACC with 78.3 yards per game and has scored 10 touchdowns on the ground.

“The way they run, they don't have to” throw, Fisher said with a laugh. “Consistently and (they) stay with it. They know their identity. That's what they do.

“They're patient. Very patient. They'll pound you then all of a sudden, boom, there's a big one. ... It's their mentality.”

The Florida State secondary had its chance to shine last week with five interceptions — defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. had one — against Wake Forest. The front seven will be challenged against the Orange.